Philip Astley was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme on 8th January 1742, the son of a cabinet maker who went on to become a war hero, a pioneer and a showman. He is written about in the works of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen, and his influence has shaped not only the world of entertainment, but his legacy is still popular in art and literature worldwide. This talk by the Philip Astley Project focuses on Astley’s relationship with Newcastle-under-Lyme and celebrates the 250th anniversary of the circus. Since 2015, staff and volunteers at the Brampton Museum have been researching Philip Astley’s early life and his family’s link to North Staffordshire. The dedicated research team have followed in Astley’s footsteps, travelling to London and Paris to uncover the man behind the myth. In conversation with Andrew Van Buren, Teresa Mason (Manager at the Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Brampton Museum) and Beryl Carter (Volunteer at the Brampton Museum) will share the latest research on Philip Astley’s connection to Newcastle-under-Lyme. Van Buren, an expert on Philip Astley and internationally acclaimed illusionist and showman, will place this research into the broader context of circus and performing arts history. This lively talk, hosted by the Friends of Keele, will give […]

In 1768, Newcastle-under-Lyme’s famous equestrian and cavalryman, Philip Astley created the circus ring and invented the circus form. As part of Circus250, NoFit State and Firenza Guidi will create LEXICON – a daring, seductive and utterly contemporary take on circus for a seated audience in the round. Drawing inspiration from circus history, heritage, and traditions, we dig in the underground of memory and celebrate the past, present and future of circus. LEXICON is the coming together of the new and old languages of circus and the creation of a new voice for NoFit State. Commissioned by New Vic Theatre Funded by Arts Council England, the Arts Council of Wales and the Foyle Foundation For more information please visit – http://www.nofitstate.org/lexicon

Join Newcastle under Lyme BID as we celebrate Easter across the Town Centre with lots of Activities. Look out for the Easter Egg Hunt, Face painting and other fantastic things to do throughout the day.

The Philip Astley Project is delighted to welcome the Circus Friends Association to Newcastle-under-Lyme for a special talk about Philip Astley and his link to the town. Hosted by Andrew Van Buren and the New Vic Theatre, local audiences and invited guests will have the chance to hear from a speaker who is passionate about Astley’s life and legacy. For more information please visit – http://www.philipastley.org.uk/events/circus-friends-association-visit-newcastle-lyme/

Visitors to the Brampton Museum can follow in the footsteps of a team of intrepid research volunteers who have used their skills, tenacity and commitment to investigate our most burning questions: What is Astley’s connection to Newcastle-under-Lyme? What would his early life have been like? How might this have influenced his later career? The free 12-week exhibition will educate and excite adults and young people alike. By viewing circus prints, posters and costumes, visitors will learn about Astley’s life and how his career influenced later developments in the performing arts up to the present day. Objects on loan include items from the V&A Museum’s Theatre and Performance Collection on public view in Staffordshire for the first time. Opening Dates and Times May 5th – July 15th 2018 Monday to Saturday – 10am to 5.30pm Sunday – 2pm to 5.30pm For more information please visit – http://www.philipastley.org.uk/events/exhibition-philip-astley-his-life-and-legacy/

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Join Newcastle under Lyme BID as we celebrate Easter across the Town Centre with lots of Activities. Look out for the Easter Egg Hunt, Face painting and other fantastic things to do throughout the day.

AstleyFest is coming to town on 4 August 2018, giving thousands of people the chance to enjoy a free and fabulous fun day out as we bring Astley’s astounding life to life in Lyme Valley Park. Expect to be dazzled with a range of daring talent ‘entering the ring’ including circus performances, horse shows, military displays, hands-on activities, and much more. There will be a tasty range of food stalls and stacks of fun ways to find out more about the man and myth of Philip Astley. Children and adults alike will love clowning around, trying their hand at circus skills and seeing awe-inspiring circus acts. AstleyFest is proud to be showing the premiere of New Vic Theatre’s performance of Roll Up, Roll Up, a brand-new show about Philip Astley developed with local writers, performers and choir members. Don’t miss out on this wonderful day out as AstelyFest promises to offer a knockout punch of quality entertainment for the whole family to enjoy!

The Philip Astley Project is delighted to welcome the Circus Friends Association to Newcastle-under-Lyme for a special talk about Philip Astley and his link to the town. Hosted by Andrew Van Buren and the New Vic Theatre, local audiences and invited guests will have the chance to hear from a speaker who is passionate about Astley’s life and legacy. For more information please visit – http://www.philipastley.org.uk/events/circus-friends-association-visit-newcastle-lyme/

Visitors to the Brampton Museum can follow in the footsteps of a team of intrepid research volunteers who have used their skills, tenacity and commitment to investigate our most burning questions: What is Astley’s connection to Newcastle-under-Lyme? What would his early life have been like? How might this have influenced his later career? The free 12-week exhibition will educate and excite adults and young people alike. By viewing circus prints, posters and costumes, visitors will learn about Astley’s life and how his career influenced later developments in the performing arts up to the present day. Objects on loan include items from the V&A Museum’s Theatre and Performance Collection on public view in Staffordshire for the first time. Opening Dates and Times May 5th – July 15th 2018 Monday to Saturday – 10am to 5.30pm Sunday – 2pm to 5.30pm For more information please visit – http://www.philipastley.org.uk/events/exhibition-philip-astley-his-life-and-legacy/

As part of a linked initiative to Newcastle’s entry into the Britain in Bloom competition, over 50 primary, secondary and special schools have been invited to take part in the ever popular children’s painting competition. We expect to receive in excess of 1000 entries from all over the borough and a selection of the most vibrant paintings will be displayed in an exhibition at The Art Studio, Barracks Road, Newcastle from Wednesday 25th April until Thursday 3rd May. The children’s creations will reflect their interpretation of Philip Astley and his wonderful legacy. So roll up, roll up and prepare to be amazed by the exceptional standard of artwork from the talented young people of Newcastle-under-Lyme. ‘What a Bloomin’ Performance’ Philip Astley themed children’s painting exhibition can be viewed by the general public (admission is free) from Wed 25th April to Thurs 3rd May 2018 at The Art Studio, Barracks Road, Newcastle, Staffordshire, ST5 1LG DATES Wed 25th April to Thurs 3rd May 2018 OPENING TIMES: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat 10am-4pm Sun 12-4pm For more info please visit – http://www.philipastley.org.uk/events/exhibition-painting-circus/

BID are funding First Aid training for levy payers. The session is on 25th April and will run from approximately 11am till 6pm at Kings Street Studios. Course details are as follows; Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (Ofqual Regulated (RQF)) Duration: 1 days / 6 hours Target Audience: Nominated emergency first aiders, or anyone wanting a one day introduction to first aid Course Details: Basic life saving first aid and workplace health and safety regulations There is no final examination with this course the trainer will continually assess each candidate throughout the course. Each successful candidate will receive a Ofqual Regulated (RQF) approved certificate which is valid for 3 years. This course is legally compliant with the current Health and Safety (first aid) Regulations 1981. It is strongly recommended that you update your skills by taking a 3 hour annual first aid update. For more information please contact – amy.williams@nulbid.co.uk

In 1768, Newcastle-under-Lyme’s famous equestrian and cavalryman, Philip Astley created the circus ring and invented the circus form. As part of Circus250, NoFit State and Firenza Guidi will create LEXICON – a daring, seductive and utterly contemporary take on circus for a seated audience in the round. Drawing inspiration from circus history, heritage, and traditions, we dig in the underground of memory and celebrate the past, present and future of circus. LEXICON is the coming together of the new and old languages of circus and the creation of a new voice for NoFit State. Commissioned by New Vic Theatre Funded by Arts Council England, the Arts Council of Wales and the Foyle Foundation For more information please visit – http://www.nofitstate.org/lexicon

Philip Astley was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme on 8th January 1742, the son of a cabinet maker who went on to become a war hero, a pioneer and a showman. He is written about in the works of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen, and his influence has shaped not only the world of entertainment, but his legacy is still popular in art and literature worldwide. This talk by the Philip Astley Project focuses on Astley’s relationship with Newcastle-under-Lyme and celebrates the 250th anniversary of the circus. Since 2015, staff and volunteers at the Brampton Museum have been researching Philip Astley’s early life and his family’s link to North Staffordshire. The dedicated research team have followed in Astley’s footsteps, travelling to London and Paris to uncover the man behind the myth. In conversation with Andrew Van Buren, Teresa Mason (Manager at the Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Brampton Museum) and Beryl Carter (Volunteer at the Brampton Museum) will share the latest research on Philip Astley’s connection to Newcastle-under-Lyme. Van Buren, an expert on Philip Astley and internationally acclaimed illusionist and showman, will place this research into the broader context of circus and performing arts history. This lively talk, hosted by the Friends of Keele, will give […]